Two Captain’s Days and two County Finals events – it has been quite a couple of weeks at Mendip Golf Club.
Club Captain, Paul Smith, had a full field for his shotgun start, a four-person bowmaker played in glorious sunshine. The golf was followed by music provided by John Crick’s band, a barbeque, speeches and prize-giving. The winning team, who always do so well in these type of events, were Eric Jordan, Brian Francis, Brian Smith and John Hargraves, with Justin Seviour picking up the singles prize.
The Past Ladies’ Captains played their event on a sunny but somewhat chilly day. The golf was enjoyed by all and festivities continued into the evening, where the competitors were joined by a further five ex-Lady Captains, who are no longer playing. The Competition was won by the 2009 Lady Captain, Jenny Merrett, with Immediate Past Lady Captain, Bron Cooper, in second place.
Mendip Seniors reached the Somerset Scratch Cup Final where they came up against Oake; the match being played at Clevedon. It could not have been a closer affair. With Steve Davis and Chris Lindley winning their games, the match went to the wire, with Oake eventually winning the vital fifth match at the first extra hole.
Mendip’s Ladies Team reached the County Final of the Rogers Cup, where they played Farrington at Mendip Spring. Unlike the Men’s event, this is a handicap affair with Mendip giving their opponents a total of 46 shots overall. Again, the result was in doubt until the very end, with Farrington winning the vital seventh match on the 18th. Wins for Mendip came from Ellen Reakes, Fran Davies and Jenny Merrett. A week of ‘what might have been’, but nevertheless, the club are proud of the Ladies and Seniors teams, who did so well to reach the Finals.
The Men’s Sims Cup again saw a full entry. Division One was won by Pat Meatyard with 71, with Jack Hayes second on countback with 72 from Richard Salter and Richard Jeffrey. Division Two went to Lee Moore with 68, with Chris White second with 69, beating Paul Merrett on countback. Division Three was won again by Brian Francis with 72, with Paul Drew second with 73 and Peter Grafton third with 74 on countback. However, the Cup went to five-handicapper, George Hobbs, with a fine net-68.
The Ladies’ Stableford saw a win in Silver Division for Elaine P. Richardson, who was returning after a year out through injury, with 34 points. Marian Speed was second with 30 and Jean Padfield third with 28. Bronze Division went to Sandie Roper with 26 points and Copper Division went to Susy Rudkin with 40 points.
Jean Padfield was announced the Winner of the John Wain Trophy, awarded to the best cumulative score over three events. Aimee Sawyer continued her run of good form with a further sub-par round when competing in the Somerset County Silver Medal event at Farrington. Apart from winning the best gross award, Aimee picked up two further trophies.
The Seniors’ Avalon Team entertained the runaway leaders, Enmore, and gained a handsome 7½-1½ victory. Wins came from Simon Brand/Phil Butcher, Kevin Carmody/Mike Snaith and Bryan Lewis/Alan Edwards, with a half from Jim Scott /David Braithwaite.
The Seniors’ Friendly Team entertained Knowle and ran out 6-1 winners. Successful were Bryan Lewis/Charles Roberts, Simon Atkinson/Jim Roebuck, John Shakesby/Rob Berry, Phil Butcher/Brian Carter and Chris Bryant /Jim Boyce, with Shaun Rich/Selwyn Rees and John Stembridge/Derek Bellew gaining halves. Rob Berry, Jim Boyce and Brian Carter were making their seasonal debuts for the Seniors.
The Mixed Team also welcomed Knowle, and after a close match, came out winners, 4½-3½. There were wins from Philippa Brown /Clive Copp (who continued their unbeaten run),
Nola Russell/David Collins, Diane and Rob Stanton and Liz Rose and John Whyman, with Ann and Derek Padley, playing in their first match, gaining a half.
Tony Williams